Zips on waterproofs

[Tim M]

I've got a load of XM waterproofs which get used on a daily basis. The trouble is with such constant getting wet/drying out salt gets into the zips and makes them stick.

Can anyone recommend a way of sorting this problem out? Some are stuck fast, others are getting sticky.

[Poly]

Wash thoroughly with fresh water (to remove the salt) and then lube with silicone grease which should be available from a dive shop.

[SeaSkills]

Originally Posted by Polwart

Wash thoroughly with fresh water (to remove the salt)

...and warm water is much more effective than cold, if you have a supply.

[chewy]

Try rubbing soap onto the zips, it'll lubricate them and wash the zip whilst in use.

[Simon B]

Look carefully at the slip slider, the zip itself is often nylon - good bearing material, they then cobble on to it an alloy slider - certain death! I've got a £100 dive bag retired from use due to such sh1te and this from my favourite europen kit manufacturer. Naughty Poseidon!

As said hot water like you'd use on an Icom with the combined on/off/squelch

[seafariskye]

Mr Sheen........ or any waxed based polish

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by seafariskye

Mr Sheen........ or any waxed based polish

Or beeswax.

[Daibheid]

I've retreived a few seized zips that looked like lost causes from oxidation using WD40. Lash it on and leave it soak as long as possible and then brush inside the zipper with something like a stiff toothbrush.

Try to brush/poke the inevitable oxidation from between the meshed teeth that are just in front of the zipper - that's what'll break it when you try to move it so close rather than open at first. Also use a small vise grips or pliers on the body of the zipper and avoid using the pull tag as that's too fragile for the first hard pull.